If you're like me, you drank a few too many ciders last night and right now your body is hating you.
Drinking lowers the hormone in your body called vasopressin that helps you retain fluids and stay hydrated. This causes blood vessel constriction, slowing the blood flow to your brain. When your body tries to replenish that hormone, it works to re-dilate those blood vessels and the result is swelling. Drinking also produces and leaves behind a toxic compound called acetaldehyde that causes that feeling of nausea, headache and fatigue.
So now that we know that a hangover is due to restriction in blood flow and that toxic byproduct called acetaldehyde, we can define our remedies.
Alright now take it slow with all that nausea you're feeling, but once you get going, I promise that headache will start to melt away. Sex is a great way to get your blood flowing to process acetaldehyde out of your system. It also gives you a boost of endorphins (a natural pain-killer) and antibody immunoglobin (protects you from viruses).
Okay, maybe this is number one, but I needed click bait ;). I try and have a carton of coconut water on hand for mornings like this. Sometimes you need more than just plain water and with coconut water, you get a dose of electrolytes, cytokinins and antioxidants. So those electrolytes are exactly the cure for your lowered fluid levels and the antioxidants will you process all that toxic by-product.
I don't plan on running a half-marathon or attending a pilates class today. But I may go on a bike ride for a low-impact way to get my circulatory system back in working motion. I did yoga this morning as well. Anything that keeps you moving WILL help you get through this hangover faster!
Another thing I try and keep in the fridge are pickled veggies like asparagus or just plain pickles. Eating something with a high salt content will help your body replenish its fluids. (That's the secret of a Bloody Mary's success, if you didn't know!)
